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Red Hat Certifications:
RHCSS Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS)?
  2. Who is eligible to earn RHCSS?
  3. Are the courses required for RHCSS all on the same level? Which should be taken first?
  4. How long does an RHCSS certification remain current?
  5. What are the benefits to becoming an RHCSS?
  6. SELinux Policy Administration seems like a very specialized subject that many or even most organizations are unlikely to use. Why require it for RHCSS?

1. What is Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS)?

Red Hat Certified Security Specialist (RHCSS) is a credential available to IT professionals whose job roles involve securing Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems and other parts of an organization's IT infrastructure. An RHCSS is a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) who has passed an additional three performance-based exams in the following subjects:

  • Network Services Security
  • SELinux Policy Administration
  • Directory Services and Authentication

2. Who is eligible to earn RHCSS?

One must be an RHCE on a current release in order to take the Certificates of Expertise exams required for RHCA. Please see the Certificates of Expertise FAQ and the pages about each exam for more information.

3. Are the courses required for RHCSS all on the same level? Which should be taken first?

The courses are peer level and can be taken in any order.

4. How long does an RHCSS certification remain current?

RHCSS currency is pegged to the currency status of one's RHCE. Consequently, as long as one's RHCE is current (two releases), one's RHCSS is current. When an RHCSS's underlying RHCE is no longer current, the certification verification page will list the non-current RHCE along with all Certificates of Expertise. Once someone has earned a new, current RHCE, their Certificates of Expertise will be attached to the new RHCE number and the verification page will report that the number belongs to an RHCSS.

5. What are the benefits to becoming an RHCSS?

The biggest benefit to becoming an RHCSS is the skills and knowledge you will acquire to earn it. The second biggest benefit is being able to provide your RHCE number to someone so they can verify your status on the verification page. As an RHCSS you will receive a plaque and other items from Red Hat that are for RHCSSs only. We hope to extend additional benefits in the near future.

6. SELinux Policy Administration seems like a very specialized area of expertise that many or even most organizations are unlikely to need. Why require it for RHCSS?

The needs of the vast majority of organizations using Red Hat Enterprise Linux are more than met by the SELinux Targeted Policy that is the default in Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It would be fair to describe SELinux Policy Administration as a specialized skill. However, RHCSS means Red Hat Certified Security Specialist, not Red Hat Certified Security Generalist! Yes -- this is highly specialized knowledge and hence highly valuable when it is required. We believe that many organizations that might not see a need today for specialized SELinux policies are likely to see those needs in the future, and we believe that qualified professionals who understand this subject matter can help them meet those needs. We want an RHCSS to be someone who looks ahead.

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